Every two years, a cohort of foresters begins the Forest Practices Authority’s (FPA) training course to become Forest Practices Officers (FPOs). The FPA delegates powers to FPOs under the Forest Practices Act 1985. Source: Timberbiz
FPO trainees must have at least three years’ experience in forestry and working knowledge of Tasmania’s forest practices system before they are able to apply for the course.
On 21–22 June, the 2023 class of FPO trainees met for the first time in Orford, Tasmania. Eighteen learners, including two FPA staff, spent two full days covering subjects like Understanding Tasmania’s Forest Practices System, Forest Practices Plan Implementation, and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Identification and Management.
They also spent half a day along the Sandspit River and Wielangta Forest Walk to build understanding of the FPA’s Risk Assessment Form.
Foresters have a hugely diverse range of skills as they are required to identify the forest’s special values (biodiversity, soil and water, cultural heritage and landscape) as well as understand and implement the other standards in the Forest Practices Code. This includes practical standards on roading and harvesting.
The course participants will meet for a further two days a month until December and attend a 4-day biodiversity course.
